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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.04.15.648547

Improving science communication and organization visibility through Wikipedia: A case study of the American Association for Anatomy

Pascoe, M. A.
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Abstract

Wikipedia is one of the most widely accessed sources of scientific information globally, serving as a critical platform for public understanding and engagement with science. Despite its influence, many scientific societies are underrepresented or insufficiently described on the platform, limiting their visibility, outreach potential, and opportunities for public scholarship. This gap is particularly significant given Wikipedias high placement in search engine results and its role in shaping perceptions of scientific institutions. To address this issue, a structured case study was conducted focusing on the Wikipedia article for the American Association for Anatomy (AAA). A baseline evaluation revealed major deficiencies in article structure, historical coverage, citation quality, and alignment with Wikipedias editorial standards. Using a methodical editing process informed by science communication principles and content guidelines, the article was substantially revised. High-quality secondary sources were used to develop new sections on AAAs mission, governance, publications, awards, meetings, and outreach efforts. Following these edits, the articles classification improved from Stub to Start-class, its visibility and connectivity within Wikipedia increased, and the number of internal and external references, links, and structural elements grew substantially. This outcome demonstrates that scholarly engagement with Wikipedia can meaningfully enhance institutional presence and public accessibility of scientific knowledge. This case study offers a transparent and replicable model for scientific organizations and educators seeking to improve digital visibility and contribute to open-access science. It also highlights the potential for Wikipedia editing to serve as a form of public scholarship and a high-impact educational practice within the anatomical sciences.

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Pascoe, M. A.. 2025-04-21. Improving science communication and organization visibility through Wikipedia: A case study of the American Association for Anatomy. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.04.15.648547

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